Ireland is a compact country, and it usually doesn’t take more than three hours to travel between two Irish cities.

Ireland is a compact country, and it usually doesn’t take more than three hours to travel between two Irish cities. Trains run at a good speed, much faster than driving, especially if you’re slightly bemused navigating from the left side.

Intercities services link Dublin to most cities, and there are a few cross-country services that skip the capital altogether. The brand-new trains on the Dublin to Cork line offer the most frequent and modern service, and it’s worth opting for a first class seat (Comfort). Although not included in your ticket price, some rails (like the Enterprise between Dublin and Belfast) offer food service at your seat. And, it’s so worth paying a little extra to savor smoked salmon that once traveled the very rivers your train is passing by.

The most popular rail journeys include Dublin to Belfast, Cork or Galway. Galway, considered by many Ireland’s cultural heart, is also its third largest city, and the journey from coast to coast is breathtaking indeed. Its churches (like St. Nicholas, founded in 1320 and thought to be visited by Colombus) and museums (the works of James Joyce are here, naturally) make it a city worth exploring, even if you can just spare a day. But then again, this is Ireland ! Extend your stay and take a boat to the often travelogued Aran Islands.

Good to know : in spite of the small size of the cities, Irish Rail offers frequent service on its main lines, typically at hour or two-hour intervals. So you’ll have lots of flexibility, and can easily schedule early morning, late afternoon, or day return trips.

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Reviews

Reviews & ratings

Value for money

Convenience

Locating Train was difficult | Michael o. | 5a julio 2017
"I had some trouble finding the track at Gare de Lyon in Paris. Also I had trouble finding my coach at the Lyon Airport train going to Paris.
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Efficient and on time service | . | 4a marto 2017
"Excellent service. On time and comfortable
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Convenience

A trip over Alpes | Paola c. | 1a marto 2017
"I've been travelling to Geneve to meet my daughter. the train was very comfortable and the staff very kind. I bought a good sandwich with salami and butter, a black tea with cinnamon. Very new flavour for me.
The viw around the lake from Geneve to Montreux was great.
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Value for money

Convenience

Very good option | Sandra g. | 1a marto 2017
"It was a very good journey. The train was comfortable, the attendants were friendly. Service on board was perfect including the breakfast, which was delicious.
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Better than flying | Matthew v. | 28a februaro 2017
"Coming from Australia I assumed flights would be far better than trains but having the stations right in the centre of the city made it much more convenient and easier to manage without a phone. The train was smooth and quick.
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Convenience

Trouble free,excellent journey | Steven Peter m. | 26a februaro 2017
"Excellent service.We booked and printed tickets on line which scanned easily on day of journey. All baggage x rayd so great security before entering platform. Allocated seating upon booking. Train on time. Value for money 5 stars. (auto star system not working. )22 euros per person each way.
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Convenience

To MAdrid | Mishal a. | 26a februaro 2017
"my trip was great but I was wonder that the crew was not speaking English and she couldn't understand me once I order.
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